Kishkindha Kaandam review: A content-driven thriller with an outstanding Vijayaraghavan and Asif Ali

Kishkindha Kaandam is Asif Ali’s fourth film this year, following his successful releases Thalavan, Level Cross, and Adios Amigo. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, the Malayalam movie unravels its mysteries in a realistic way through an engaging and content-driven plot.

Also, this marks Dinjith Ayyathan’s second directorial venture. The film marks a departure from his debut venture, Kakshi: Amminipillai (2019), which dealt with body shaming. This shift in genre shows Dinjith Ayyathan’s versatility as a filmmaker, who tried his hand at different storytelling styles.

The tagline of Kishkindha Kaandam, “The Tale of Three Wise Monkeys”, refers to three key characters—Ajayan (Asif Ali), Appu Pillai (Vijayaraghavan), and Aparna (Aparna Balmurali).

The movie is set in a house in the middle of a reserve forest, adding intrigue to the storyline.

Appu Pillai is a retired military officer living in Nedunchal, Wayanad. His son Ajayan, a forest department official, is introduced in the film’s opening scene during his low-key wedding at a registration office.

The story kicks off with the misplacement of a pistol owned by Appu Pillai, which must be surrendered during an election. The disappearance of the pistol and the events that unfold form the crux of the narrative.

The police investigation into the missing pistol coincides with Ajayan’s marriage to Aparna. Aparna, curious about her husband’s family, embarks on her own investigation that reveals hidden truths.

Appu Pillai is portrayed as a reclusive character who dislikes interference in his life. His strong bond with his son Ajayan is central to the story.

Wildlife and scenes involving monkeys, including the death of a monkey, add to the mystery. However, further details would lead to spoilers.

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Intriguing screenplay

The film’s plot revolves around Appu Pillai and his missing pistol. The stakes are high, as misuse of the weapon would result in serious consequences, leading to involvement from both the police and the forest department.

The script, written by Bahul Ramesh, is filled with suspense, connecting the pistol to various characters, including two monkeys, Ajayan’s missing child, and Sumadathan (Jagadish).

The narrative is tightly woven, making for a compelling mystery thriller.

Bahul Ramesh, who also serves as the cinematographer, effectively captures the struggles of Appu Pillai and his family.

Aparna’s character, in particular, stands out as she navigates the unfolding events alongside the audience.

Sumadathan, a forest watcher and an old friend of Appu Pillai, plays a significant role in the story.

The director and scriptwriter craft a mystery without relying on loud dialogues or mass appeal, maintaining a grounded sense of realism.

The film balances mystery with family drama, drawing comparisons to other Malayalam thrillers like Aarkariyam (2021) and Iratta (2023).

Performances

Veteran actor Vijayaraghavan delivers a standout performance as Appu Pillai. He portrays the character’s tough ex-military persona with depth and nuance.

This role ranks among his finest, following his exceptional work in Pookkaalam (2023).

Asif Ali impresses as Ajayan, a character with hidden secrets and a complicated relationship with his father. His portrayal adds emotional weight to the film, continuing his streak of strong performances following Thalavan and Level Cross.

Aparna Balamurali shines in her role as Ajayan’s wife Aparna. Her subtle yet effective performance adds a layer of curiosity and determination as her character seeks to uncover family secrets.

Jagadish, as the forest watcher and Appu Pillai’s old friend, plays a crucial role. His character provides key insights into the mysteries.

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Stunning cinematography

Bahul Ramesh’s cinematography beautifully captures the natural beauty of the forest and adds depth to the film’s setting. The location enhances the realism and immerses the audience in the forest landscape.

Mujeeb Majeed’s background score also plays a key role in the movie, It adds tension and elevates critical scenes throughout the film.

Final take

Kishkindha Kaandam is a well-crafted mystery thriller with a strong plot and stellar performances, particularly from Vijayaraghavan and Asif Ali. It’s a must-watch for fans of content-driven cinema.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)